Police have launched a new app to help tackle rural crime with “pinpoint accuracy”.
Police and Crime Commissioner David Lloyd announced the new free technology so victims of crime in remote parts of Hertfordshire’s countryside can summon help to within metres of their location.
The What3Words app, invented by a Hertfordshire man, will be carried on smartphones by every police officer to combat things like fly-tipping, anti-social motorcycle riding and general crime.
Victims can report a crime using a three-word combination to within 3m sq of that location.
Drones will be sued to pursue offenders
Mr Lloyd said: “This system can revolutionise the reporting of crime and calls for assistance in rural areas, such as Hertfordshire.”
Superintendent Ken Townsend described the technology as a “life-saver”.
Hertfordshire Constabulary’s Chief Constable Charlie Hall added: “Our relationship with the rural community is really important to us. Policing any community is based on the relationship between the people and other agencies involved.
“We recognise how isolated people in rural communities can feel at times, but that you still suffer from crime.
“I am 100 per cent committed to neighbourhood policing with dedicated rural officers and this will continue.”
Mr Lloyd said additional covert cameras will be used in crime “hot spots” and also drones to track offenders.
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